Prime Minister needs to drive Aukus defence deal forward, MPs say

This is one of the findings from the Defence Committee’s report, published today, into the Aukus defence pact involving Britain, Australia and the USA.

It said that the scale and ambition of the partnership means that “it needs visible political leadership from the Prime Minister to counter the political drift that could see it derailed”.

A key part of Aukus is state-of-the-art nuclear-powered attack submarines being built across the North for the British Navy and its Australian equivalent.

The subs will use steel from the iconic Sheffield Forgemasters, which dates back to the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Further construction of the UK’s Royal Navy units will take place at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard, in Cumbria.

Rolls-Royce will build nuclear reactors to power both the UK and Australian craft at its Raynesway site in Derby.

But the Defence Committee report said that without “timely investment” in the facilities to build the submarines, there’s a risk to our defence and security, and our relationships with the US and Australia.

Chair of committee Tan Dhesi MP said: “Any undertaking of this scale requires committed, consistent political will and leadership.

“Unfortunately, we found that the UK’s political leadership on Aukus has dwindled.

“Aukus can’t be seen as just another defence programme; if it is to stay on track then leadership must come from the very top.

“The Prime Minister should be an advocate for Aukus within Whitehall – he must play a much more visible role in promoting and driving it forward.

“Without this clear political direction, we have serious doubts that Aukus can be delivered.”

Mr Dhesi also called for urgent infrastructure improvements at several naval bases and the shipyard in Barrow.

The MoD has been contacted for comment.